by Jerry Kenney
Wright State University near Dayton, Ohio has dropped out of the first Presidential Debate in September.
Wright State President David R. Hopkins cites both a fundraising shortfall and growing security concerns for the decision to drop the debate.
“Having a large open campus, accessible to the public, led to concerns about whether we could ensure the safety and security of those on and around our campus during the debate.”
Wright State has also struggled to meet fundraising goals. The university budgeted 8 million dollars and has only raised 2 ½ million so far.
Hopkins did get emotional when he talked about how the decision would affect students.
“That is my great disappointment, that we’re disappointing them,” says Hopkins.
The September debate now moves to the backup site—Hofstra University in New York.